The Sumo Reading List

Nat Eliason

Heads up! We're going to send one lucky reader every single book for free... read to the end to find out how to get them :)

Last Saturday, the Sumo team members in Austin got together for drinks, good food, and to celebrate a successful 2015.

As part of the holiday dinner, we did a gift exchange thought up by our office boss, Rachel. We each brought one of our favorite books, and an item that fits with it, and randomly exchanged them amongst ourselves.

Why this book? “In a deluge of recent cocktail books and pre-mixed liquor trying too hard to be different, this book is an instant modern classic. Each recipe has a melodic balance of depth and complexity that strike familiar chords. Imbibe on classic cocktails with modern rifts that can stand the test of time, barroom fads, and blurred memories.”

Why this book? “After reading Ender's Game, I had to read more Orson Scott Card. This was my favorite of Card's novels not related to the Ender's Game series. The story is very closely tied to my background, with much of it revolving around Russian culture. Long live Potato!”

Why this book? “This book is full of flawed, strange, yet surprisingly realistic characters. Life happens in this book. And death. Few other books can capture the winding paths that life can take. It reminds you that life can be wonderful or brutal. Swift or meandering. This book makes you want travel, find yourself, and live out your story.”

Why this book? “Before Neuromancer, there were just ideas. After Neuromancer, cyberpunk became an alternate reality that I frequented regularly in my imagination. Chiba City was my second home. It changed how I saw the world and what I wanted out of it. If you love the Matrix you can thank Neuromancer.”

Why this book? “Definitely my favorite philosophy / practical advice book I've read in a long time. It's useful for thinking about work and life so you can make it more fun and not be as afraid of sudden unexpected changes.”

Why this book? “I love this book for so many reasons, but primarily because it's so deliciously weird. You're never quite sure what's happening or why. As Murakami was a child of post-war Japan, it's very telling of the ethos of the time.”

Want every book for yourself?

Share this post with the hashtag "#sumoreads" before 12/23 at 11:59pm CST, and we'll send one lucky winner every single book! We'll even throw in a Sumo t-shirt as an added bonus.